The Gillespie County Commissioners Court met on Tuesday, May 26 to discuss the adoption of a private road into the county road system.
The court unanimously rejected the request to adopt Regu Road as a county road. County Resident Bruce Neitzke used the public comment period to question the proposal and its estimated cost of up to $3.7 million. A group of citizens asked the county to adopt the road to update and maintain the long road during the Feb. 10 meeting. County Engineer Melissa Eckert presented the estimated cost and upkeep needed for Regu Road.
“We looked at the cost to try and understand the effect it would have on the county,” said Don Weinheimer, Commissioner of Precinct 4, where the road is located. “For Precinct 4, in the last seven years, our average budget is about $1.1 million. This is essentially very unfeasible for us to take on as a county.”
Weinheimer continued, “This could really set a precedent where we’re taking in neighborhood roads that are established under subdivisions. It could get to a point where we can’t afford it. Well, we can’t afford it at this point.”
The Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson presented its proposal for the Hotel Occupancy Tax for the remaining funds needed for updates. The National Park Service provided $18 million to restore the Texas White House. The Friends asked for assistance with the restoration of visitor services totaling $1.6 million. County Judge Daniel Jones asked the group to provide an application with the amount requested and the scope of work before granting money.
Texas A&M AgriLife submitted a candidate for the Family and Community Health (FCH) Extension Agent to replace former agent Shea Nebgen. The court unanimously approved the hire of Jessica Faubion to start on June 15 in the role. Faubion served as the FCH agent in Bandera County previously and is working on her PhD in educational leadership.
“I’m very, very excited to be a candidate for this position here in Gillespie County. I’m excited to begin programming efforts here and continue that strong foundation Shea [Nebgen] instilled here,” Faubian said.
Residents once again expressed concern over the reconciliation backlog in the county Treasurer’s Office. The county approved another payment to Chad Lowell for his contract services to address the backlog. During the public comment period, a couple of residents argued Lowell was being paid for duties outside his scope. The county maintains that it has communicated with Lowell on his continued work, something residents called into question. The county approved the most recent invoice of $6,250 to Lowell.
Other items:
• Approved quotes for roof repairs and security cameras for the Gillespie County Airport in the amounts of $46,635.95 and $43,044.35, respectively.
• Tabled determining the status of Braeutigam Road as a county road for a future meeting.
• Approved the Rural Ambulance Service Grant Program to Harper EMS in the amount of $350,000
• Approved revising the Veteran Service Office hours to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Tabled the proposed removal of a collection of German books from the Pioneer Memorial Library. Judge Jones asked the library to form a committee to evaluate the books.
• Approved the purchase of an Asphalt Zipper in the amount of $35,000 from the City of Fredericksburg.
• Tabled the adoption of amendments to the county’s right-of-way regulations for a second time following a public comment period.
